6 December 2023
Family Fun Beyond the Slopes: Your Davis County Winter Trip Guide
by Discover Davis
Mother Nature and Old Man Winter have finally arrived here in northern Utah, bringing a world of opportunities for families to enjoy the great outdoors and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a fan of snowy adventures or looking to try something new, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you entertained all winter long. From thrilling snow sports to serene winter walks, here are some fantastic outdoor activities to help you make the most of the season and get you through to spring break!
Explore Antelope Island
Families visiting Antelope Island State Park can enjoy hiking, biking, wildlife watching and stargazing year round but there’s something magical about this Great Salt Lake island in winter. You won’t find crowds but you will find plenty of free-roaming wildlife from large bull bison grazing near the campgrounds to bald eagle sightings and even porcupines putting on a show along the Eastside Road toward Fielding Garr Ranch. An Antelope Island e-bike tour can help you cover more ground than you would on foot, or bring your own bikes to explore the island. Put the finishing touches on your family day of adventure with a gorgeous sunset at Buffalo Point.
Ice Rinks
Show off your best moves at the new family-friendly Bountiful Ice Ribbon, then grab a Fizz in the Town Square, or head over to Main Street for some shopping and dining. Station Park’s ice rink is closed for the season, but be sure to add it to your family fun list when planning next year’s outdoor recreation!
Indoor Fun
We’ve got plenty of indoor activities to keep the whole family entertained. With a variety of amusement centers for all ages, it’s easy to have a blast indoors with bowling, go-karts, laser tag, and arcade games at Boondocks, Urban Air Trampoline Park, or Rush Funplex (Utah’s largest indoor fun center!).
500 Miles of Trails
There are plenty of opportunities to hit the trails year-round, with more than 500 miles of hiking and biking trails to explore. But Davis County’s trails aren’t just for summer. Snowshoeing is winter’s answer to hiking, and ideal snowshoeing terrain is easily accessible from Bountiful, Farmington and Layton. When the powder is fresh and the views are that spectacular, what more can you ask for?
The snow doesn’t stick around for too long at Antelope Island, so for those who seek a more powder-less hike, the Island is a good choice!
Also check out Adam’s Canyon, Elephant Rock or find one for yourself through Wander!
*If hiking this season, be prepared for conditions.
Snowmobiling
Excellent non-groomed snowmobiling routes through deep, untracked snow are easily accessed from the suburbs below Davis County’s snow-covered Wasatch Mountains. Bring your family’s snowmobiles and cover more rugged terrain than you ever could on foot. *Please maintain awareness of avalanche danger.
Responsible Outdoor Recreation
No matter how you choose to spend family time outdoors this month, it’s important to be smart. Take a look at these six principles for responsible outdoor recreation in winter to help keep you safe on the slopes, on the trails, or anywhere you recreate outdoors.
There’s still plenty of winter left to enjoy. Discover Davis and plan your winter staycation today.